Assam, 6 July: In a significant step towards promoting clean energy, sustainable agriculture and rural development, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Suzuki R&D Centre India Pvt. Ltd. (SRDI) and North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Assam. The collaboration aims to convert agricultural and dairy waste into renewable fuel and organic fertiliser, supporting the state’s transition towards a circular economy.
The project is expected to become a major milestone in Assam’s clean energy journey by transforming waste generated from dairy farming and agriculture into valuable resources. Compressed biogas produced at the facility will serve as a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels for use in vehicles and industrial applications, while the organic fertiliser generated as a by-product will promote sustainable farming practices and improve soil health.
North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), which markets dairy products under the Purabi brand, is a joint venture between the Government of Assam and the National Dairy Development Board. Over the years, NEDFL has played an important role in strengthening the state’s cooperative dairy sector, supporting thousands of dairy farmers and expanding access to quality dairy products across Assam.
Under the agreement, NDDB will provide technical expertise and institutional support for the project, while NEDFL will be responsible for implementing and operating the compressed biogas plant. The company will also oversee the marketing and commercial sale of both compressed biogas and the organic bio-fertilisers produced through the facility. Suzuki R&D Centre India will invest in the project and benefit from the carbon credits generated through the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative is expected to deliver multiple environmental and economic benefits. By scientifically processing agricultural residue and dairy waste, the project will help reduce methane emissions, improve waste management practices and contribute to India’s broader climate goals. At the same time, farmers will gain an additional source of income by supplying agricultural and dairy waste that would otherwise have little commercial value.
Apart from generating renewable energy, the organic fertiliser produced by the plant is expected to encourage eco-friendly farming by improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. The project also has the potential to strengthen rural livelihoods through new employment opportunities and by creating a sustainable value chain around waste collection, processing and clean energy production.
The MoU was signed on July 2 in the presence of Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB. The agreement was formally signed by S. Rajeev, Executive Director of NDDB, Satya Brata Bose, Managing Director of NEDFL, and Kenichiro Toyofuku, Director of Suzuki R&D Centre India Pvt. Ltd.
The collaboration reflects the growing focus on integrating renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and rural development through public-private partnerships. As India continues expanding its bioenergy ecosystem, projects such as the Assam compressed biogas plant are expected to play an important role in reducing carbon emissions, strengthening energy security and creating new income opportunities for farming communities.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information and agency inputs. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, unintentional errors or omissions may occur. Readers are encouraged to verify critical information from official sources.
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